Easter Outing -

Wildflowers put on their best roadside show as I took both dogs on a solo walk down Bear Branch road - a walk I know they love for its plethora of smells and opportunities to spot squirrels, listen to birds, and wander in search of cows.

It was an absolutely silent morning - not a car or vehicle in sight.

It's finally here.  The kind of weather I love. Cool spring mornings, warmer in the afternoon, cooling down in the evenings - perfection.

The only problem is that it doesn't usually last that long - summer comes quickly, and I need to grasp all the outdoors time that I can.

It's not just the yellow that's blooming -

It's the periwinkle purple too!

The roadsides are a garden - no tending needed!

We passed a herd of catting soaking up the sunshine on this beautiful Easter morning.

They couldn't be bothered to care at all.

More wildflowers have sprouted up on top of rocky outcroppings.

It looks like pretty baby's breath.

The girls led the way - tails wagging!

(And noses so busy!)

If I were a painter - this is definitely a scene that would attract my brush.  Other than the downed trees that have been there since Hurricane Helene came through last September.

The remaining trees are also in bloom. And yes - the bees are busy.

The tumbledown cabin is there - on top of those rocks partially hidden by trees now.

Yellow is the first color of spring - it appears when forsythia bloom (That's all done now) and is carried on by the yellow wildflowers along the roadside.

Up next?  The purple and white of Dame's Rocket that starts to bloom in May.

And then the rhododendrons and mountain laurel will have their turn along with wild roses that will give this favorite walk the most heavenly fragrance as we move deeper into the summer months.

Don't forget the honeysuckle.  And the favorite blue of chicory.

Here in Appalachia we mark the changing of the months and seasons by what is in bloom.

Just get a drink? Nope.

They went straight in.

While Zoey doesn't like to be immersed, Mabel just plops down in the midst of it so proud of herself.

I need to clean the van seats today.  But it was worth it!

Saturday was spent out for lunch (Chinese! YAY!) and shopping with a friend. We tackled TWO antique malls AND a quilt shop run.  It was a full day out, and I will share those antique mall photos tomorrow.

This stash enhancement happened!

My best advice when fabric shopping - even if you can't find anything that really floats your boat - bring home some neutrals.

Then ask yourself what colors you are low on.  In my case - it's oranges and purples.  I used quite a bit of those in my Eclipsed quilt.

I don't have any immediate plans for this yardage, but I know it will be just the right thing - some day.

The purple is a batik, and I think it will be great.  I love that it goes from red-purple to blue-purple.

So today - we are back to "somewhat normal" and there is deskwork to take care of and some things at the inn that I need to do before Nola's Bonniacs arrive on Wednesday from Indiana.

There will also hopefully be more time to work on my current tile floor project.

I cut out some blue/brown half-square triangle pairs before heading out for our Saturday adventure and they are waiting for me on the machine bed to stitch, press, and add to the variety I need to keep going.

Thank you for the great response to our Dogwood Daze PDF pattern release! 

I am so thrilled with the response, and so happy that the dogwoods are blooming at the same time.  It's Kismet!

And yes - there is introductory pricing AND a Gift-Away!

I have placed a 25% automatic discount on Dogwood Daze through 4/30/25 - no coupon code needed.

I will be drawing for two winners who will each receive a Dogwood Daze

PDF Pattern from me and a Notable Neutrals roll from Cotton to Quilts!

They also have pulled gorgeous fabrics in colors inspired by Dogwood Daze to enhance your stash. Check them out!

Each fabric roll includes 20 different fabrics approximately 8'' X 22'' - a great variety!

Get your entry in on THAT POST.

We will draw for our winners  on Monday 4/28/25.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

I love that the things my mom told me again and again in my growing up years still ring true! ⁣

I'm looking forward to a visit out to Idaho to see family next Tuesday!

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How will you bloom from where you are planted today? ⁣

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Happy Monday, everyone!